February 2026
Dear Friends of God’s Resort,
Thank you for the love you share with us. It is through your support that God’s love accomplishes the miraculous. Speaking of love, we have had several new marriages that have come out of what God is doing here in healing lives!
One of those marriages is that of Travis and Loura. They both know the “black hopelessness” of rock bottom—his in Georgia, hers in Kansas. Separately, they each reached a point of despair, wondering if life could get any worse. But God, in His redeeming love, was already working to bring them together.
They finally met in the kitchen at the Forge. It was Travis’s first day on-site and Loura’s first day volunteering. Despite Loura’s initial timidity, they quickly began sharing how God was moving in their lives. What started as a brother-and-sister-in-Christ bond soon grew into something more. After a meaningful dream and a season of prayer, Travis proposed in that very same kitchen where they first met!
Their wedding was a beautiful celebration of the new identity God has given them in Christ! Today, they live in a new apartment they call their “love nest”—a place where they say their guests can feel the love of Christ! They recently said, “We are so thankful for God’s Resort. We love this place and can’t wait to see what God has next for us!”
Thank you for investing in the “love stories of Jesus.” If you’d like to give a special gift to help create life change at God’s Resort, click here or contact john@godsresortjoplin.org.
Love and prayer,
Jay St. Clair
Executive Director
Volunteer Spotlight
This month, we’re excited to spotlight our incredible partnership with Croft Mattress!
Last year, Croft Mattress began partnering with God’s Resort to ensure that every new resident has the opportunity to visit their showroom and choose a brand-new mattress from their selection. For many of our residents, this is the very first time they have ever had a mattress of their own, let alone one of such high quality. That makes this gift deeply meaningful and life-giving!
The Croft team, including Malisha Davidson and Austin Brown, consistently welcomes our residents with kindness, dignity, and genuine care. Each resident receives a personal, in-store mattress fitting so their body alignment and comfort needs are thoughtfully considered, turning a simple purchase into a moment of restoration and respect.
Founded by Brian Croft, Croft Mattress was built on a powerful mission: that no one should be without a mattress. Through this shared vision, our partnership uniquely brings hope, comfort, and practical support to those stepping into a new season of life.
Every Croft mattress is handcrafted to order in their factory in Webb City, reflecting their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and community impact. We are so grateful for Croft Mattress and their heart to serve alongside us by helping provide not just a place to sleep but a foundation for healing and new beginnings.
Did you know that you can stay connected with the official God’s Resort app? Follow this link today to download the God’s Resort app, and check out all of the things going on at God’s Resort and ways you can get connected!
Current Serving Needs:
· Childcare volunteers for a special resident event on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
· Thursday morning Coffee and Chat Breakfast Team.
· Children’s Ministry Helpers – Volunteer with our kids on Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m.
· Children’s Meal Teams – Prepare and serve meals for our children on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m.
· Women’s Bible Study Meals – Provide breakfast for our Women’s Bible Study on the first Saturday of each month.
· The Well Volunteers – Join our team of volunteers serving at The Well.
If you are interested in any of the above, contact Machaela Cantu at machaela@godsresortjoplin.org.
Volunteers, mark your calendars for Thursday, April 30, 2026, for our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner being held at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center! We can’t wait to see you all there! More information will be sent out soon, but you can RSVP here: https://godsresortjoplin.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/62/responses/new
If you’re interested in getting involved or have any questions, please contact Machaela Cantu, Community Engagement Coordinator, at machaela@godsresortjoplin.org. She’ll help you get connected!
A WELL Earned Victory!
We are overjoyed to celebrate some exciting news from The Well! Jadyn has officially completed her HiSET – an incredible milestone that reflects months of hard work, determination, and perseverance. Her commitment to reaching this goal has truly paid off, and it has been a privilege to watch her stay the course and succeed.
We could not be prouder of her accomplishment and the dedication she demonstrated along the way. This achievement opens the door to new opportunities, and we eagerly anticipate all that God has in store for her future.
The Well Hosts First Volunteer Orientation & Training
On Saturday, January 31st, The Well hosted its very first Volunteer Orientation and Training – and what an incredible morning it was! We were blessed with an amazing turnout and are so excited to begin building meaningful connections with these wonderful individuals.
The morning began with breakfast and a time of fellowship, setting the tone for a day centered on community and shared purpose. Soon after, the classroom at The Well was filled to capacity as Jay St. Clair, Executive Director of God’s Resort, shared the powerful history of the ministry, the heart behind its mission, and the vision for continued growth – expanding the reach of God’s Resort and impacting even more lives through The Well.
It was truly an honor for our staff to gather in a room full of people who love Jesus and share our passion for helping others come to know Him. We are filled with gratitude and anticipation for what lies ahead. The work we are called to do would not be possible without the dedication and heart of our incredible volunteers—and we are so thankful for each and every one of them.
This orientation and training event will now be held quarterly.
If you missed this one or are interested in learning more about volunteering at The Well, we would love to connect with you! Please reach out to Machaela Cantu at machaela@godsresortjoplin.org.
God’s Resort Youth
This month we finished our series, Walking with Jesus, AND are beginning a new series through the book of Acts! We have learned about walking in Newness (2 Cor. 5:17) and walking in Freedom (2 Cor. 3:17). The importance of walking in FREEDOM and knowing that Christ alone has made them NEW is something these sweet kiddos will cherish as they continue their journey with Jesus. What a joy it is to walk alongside the littlest of Jesus’ followers!
On Valentine’s Day ALL the girls were invited to be a part of a Galentine’s Bruncheon at God’s Resort and there were two boys who got to stay with us in the kid’s room. We ate some DELICIOUS breakfast (many compliments to those who set up Galentine’s Brunch), made a Valentine’s card (or two) for their mom, and watched a movie! It was a sweet moment to see these boys excitedly run up to their mom with a card for them. Watching all our God’s Resort kids love their parents is an honor!
Psalm 19:1–4 says, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.”
When we pause and look up, we’re invited into something bigger than ourselves. The same God who set the stars in place is at work in our lives. The skies that stretch beyond what we can see remind us that His faithfulness stretches just as far. Creation testifies constantly – and we get to join in the song; the great symphony already underway – a harmony woven through galaxies and gardens alike. Creation does not strive to be glorious; it simply reveals the One who is. And as we worship, we take our rightful place within that chorus, echoing what the earth has always declared: the Lord is worthy, His glory fills the heavens and the earth, and all that has breath is invited to sing. Here is another Psalm that declares the praise of God:
Psalm 148:1-13:
Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever—he issued a decree that will never pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and women, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
Whether you’re a worship leader, musician, tech volunteer, or someone who simply loves to praise Jesus, there’s a place for you here. Come be part of what God is doing at God’s Resort!
To get connected, email jon-michael@godsresortjoplin.org or call 417-553-4080.
